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Nepal Earthquake: Bollywood Stars Feature in Fundraiser Campaign

Fox's Star India network and CARE India have launched the campaign to mobilize relief for Nepal and parts of India affected by the quake.

Some of India's leading film and television celebrities are appearing in TV spots that are part of a public service campaign to mobilize relief for Nepal and parts of neighboring India affected by the earthquake of April 25.

Latest reports indicate that the death toll has crossed the 5,500 mark with thousands injured. The 7.8 magnitude quake is considered the worst to hit the region in 80 years, triggering avalanches around Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.

The campaign - which will air across the network's 40-plus channels - features a number of videos, in which top celebrities, including actresses Anushka Sharma and Preity Zinta, actor Ranbir Kapoor, filmmaker Karan Johar and television figures, appeal to the public for donations online or via bank transfers.. The campaign will work along the lines of the Indian government's Operation Maitri relief effort.

“A tragedy has struck our neighboring country resulting in a devastating loss of life, infrastructure and resources. We believe it is our responsibility to leverage the power of television as a force for good to help mobilize relief and provide immediate life-saving assistance to those affected,” said Star India CEO Uday Shankar.

“We would appeal to all Indians for funds to ramp up the emergency response and provide immediate life-saving assistance to those affected,” said CARE India board chair Nachiket Mor. "We are thankful to Star India for helping us raise funds for Nepal where millions are awaiting humanitarian relief. The country is running out of food, water and shelter and the onus is now on us to help them."

CARE India is part of the CARE International Confederation which works in 87 countries. CARE India has been working in the country for over 60 years, focusing on ending poverty and social injustice. The organization has begun relief operations in some of the quake hit areas and hopes to reach out to more than 50,000 people in the coming days, according to a statement.